Ample Sound has recently announced an update to three of its virtual instruments.
Ample Slide LapSteel, Ample Ethno Ukulele, and Ample Ethno Banjo have been updated with new Riffer and Tab Reader features, an upgrade to the Ample Sound v4 Engine, and more.
Changes in Ample Ethno v4
- Riffer 4: A MIDI editor tailored for plucked string instruments.
- All-new Strumming and Chord System: The innovative “Strum Note” treats multiple sub-notes within a chord as a single editable object, allowing unified control over strum time, velocity gradient, and legato parameters. Combined with authentic guitar fingering settings, this makes strum creation more intuitive and efficient, delivering results that are closer to real performance.
- Dual View Modes: Seamless real-time switching between Piano Roll and Guitar Tab views, a first of its kind, offering two perspectives for reviewing and editing the compositions.
- String Visualization System: Strings are now visualized within the Piano Roll, enabling MIDI writing that adheres to authentic plucked instrument techniques automatically preventing polyphony on the same string and intelligently assigning fingering. The result is MIDI that sounds closer to real performance.
- Intuitive Technique Editing: Easily program fingering, articulation, legato, and expression, no need for cumbersome key switches or complicated MIDI CC programming.
- New MIDI CC and Velocity Editors: View and edit multiple MIDI CC lanes simultaneously with different colors and transparency. One-click CC curve presets allow fast and expressive automation.
- Full MIDI Import/Export Compatibility: Whether import external MIDI files or export from Riffer to DAW’s MIDI or instrument track, the playback result remains identical and accurate.
- Tab Reader 4: Compatible with Guitar Pro formats from GP3 to GP8. Capable of importing full guitar tracks into Riffer with all fingering, articulations, and performance data preserved.
- Ample Sound v4 Engine: Improved audio processing performance and efficiency.
- Brand New 5K UI Design.
- Completely Remade Presets: All presets have been redesigned for a more mature, polished tone. Each preset is paired with a Riffer demo for quick audition and inspiration.
The upgrade is free for all existing users. Note: Ample Ethno v4 is compatible with DAW projects, MIDI files and presets made with v3. However, v3 and v4 cannot coexist — installing v4 will replace v3. Please back up your previous installation before upgrading.
New customers can purchase the updated products (AEU, AEBJ, ASL) as well as the related bundles at 25% off for a limited time at the Ample Sound store and from Best Service, and existing customers can enjoy an additional loyalty discount. The offer expires February 9th, 2026.
Ample Sound has also announced that it will be attending NAMM 2026, Software NAMM Booth #14216, January 22–24, 2026.
